Former BGN Official to Seek Justice Collaborator Status Amid Nutrition Program Corruption Probe
Sony Sonjaya, the former Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), has announced his intention to apply for justice collaborator status in the ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the 2025-2026 “Makan Bergizi Gratis” (MBG) program.
Sony is currently one of three suspects identified in the case. The other two suspects are the former Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, and the former Deputy Head, Lodewyk Pusung.
Allegations of Systematic Mismanagement
The investigation by the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung) centers on allegations that the three suspects intervened in the BGN partner verification process. It is alleged that they manipulated the system to ensure their own foundations remained qualified, despite being deemed ineligible.
the suspects are accused of having affiliations with several SPPGs. These affiliations allegedly resulted in certain SPPG foundations receiving billions of rupiah in daily payments.
“Mr. Sony has stated his readiness to become a justice collaborator. This determination has already been recorded in the prosecution’s official statement (BAP),” said Sony’s lawyer, Krisna Murti.
Murti further claimed that the case involves significant figures within both the executive and legislative branches, though he has not yet disclosed their identities.
Procurement and Markups
Beyond foundation affiliations, investigators are examining potential interventions in the procurement of goods and services. The Attorney General’s Office has detected evidence of price markups and the procurement of items that do not meet actual needs.
The items currently under scrutiny include:
- 21,801 electric motorbikes (valued at approximately Rp 1 trillion)
- 32,000 pairs of shoes
- 31,000 tablets
- 5,400 75-inch televisions
Investigators from Jampidsus are currently conducting intensive searches at various locations in Jakarta to collect further evidence related to the case.
Potential Next Steps
The legal proceedings are expected to escalate next week when Sony’s legal team officially submits the formal application for justice collaborator status to the Jampidsus investigators at the Attorney General’s Office.
If the application is accepted, the case could see the disclosure of high-profile names during court proceedings. This development may lead to a wider expansion of the current investigation into the implicated executive and legislative actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary suspects in the BGN corruption case?
The suspects are Sony Sonjaya (former Deputy Head of BGN), Dadan Hindayana (former Head of BGN), and Lodewyk Pusung (former Deputy Head of BGN).
What are the main allegations against these officials?
They are accused of intervening in the verification of BGN partners to favor their own foundations, maintaining affiliations with SPPGs that received billions of rupiah daily, and engaging in procurement markups for various goods.
What specific goods are being investigated for procurement irregularities?
The investigation covers the procurement of electric motorbikes, shoes, tablets, and 75-inch televisions.
How do you think the involvement of high-level officials might impact public trust in national nutrition programs?
